Hi, I've had defenders since I was 40, 64 now and I want to buy a series, I would love a series 1 with no modifications, is there anybody out there who drives one and you honest opinion about their daily runner abilities. I realise they are not fast , I would be using it for daily trips of no more that 5 to 30 miles with the occasional long trip of 100 miles
Series 1 daily runner
- Thread starter Grassarse
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Hi there and welcome!
I used to use my 2A petrol 88" as my only car for a few years, loved it. I know it's not an S1 but it really depends what you expect. It's going to be cold in winter no matter what you do, noisy all year round
Also depends on condition, but regardless, will need regular maintenance and repair, can you afford the time off the road? You need to think about security too if you're leaving it parked up anywhere
I used to use my 2A petrol 88" as my only car for a few years, loved it. I know it's not an S1 but it really depends what you expect. It's going to be cold in winter no matter what you do, noisy all year round
Also depends on condition, but regardless, will need regular maintenance and repair, can you afford the time off the road? You need to think about security too if you're leaving it parked up anywhere
Thanks for the reply.
I'm tempted to buy a nut and bolt restoration so it should be like a new vehicle.
I'd probably ease off taking it out in the winter, but that said I will be taking it out.
I have another car, a d motorbike, so being off the road won't be an issue, as long as its not completely unreliable.
The trouble is all you hear about series being exactly that and I was wanting encouragement from someone who has driven a s1 for a while.
It's not out of the question to get a later series like the s2A as I believe there isn't much difference between the 2 litre series 1 and the 2A.
As a matter of interest even the three biggest dealers in the UK for vintage land rovers don't seem to want to encourage them being used on a regular basis which leaves me bemused and a bit wary of buying one as if I'm going to be spending a lot of money I need encouragement on their reliability.
I'm tempted to buy a nut and bolt restoration so it should be like a new vehicle.
I'd probably ease off taking it out in the winter, but that said I will be taking it out.
I have another car, a d motorbike, so being off the road won't be an issue, as long as its not completely unreliable.
The trouble is all you hear about series being exactly that and I was wanting encouragement from someone who has driven a s1 for a while.
It's not out of the question to get a later series like the s2A as I believe there isn't much difference between the 2 litre series 1 and the 2A.
As a matter of interest even the three biggest dealers in the UK for vintage land rovers don't seem to want to encourage them being used on a regular basis which leaves me bemused and a bit wary of buying one as if I'm going to be spending a lot of money I need encouragement on their reliability.
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I don't think they are unreliable at all.
I only broke down once in my 2A, the layshaft went, needed a tow home.
There's no engine management, the only sensor is a fuel gauge.
If you buy an old nail that's not been maintained then sure it'll break down soon enough without some TLC
I only broke down once in my 2A, the layshaft went, needed a tow home.
There's no engine management, the only sensor is a fuel gauge.
If you buy an old nail that's not been maintained then sure it'll break down soon enough without some TLC
Colthebrummie
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For your daily short journeys it shouldn't be a problem at all, for 100 milers you will need breakdown recovery sooner or later.
Col
Col
Hicap phill
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In the summer the top is off at every opportunity. Winter use is not always done but canvas truck cab & no heater is fine.
Early S1 with the 2ltrs are reliable but you need to be good with tools.
as for a daily the Mrs used hers for a few years daily upto 40miles each way.
remember most wont do more than 50mph.
Early S1 with the 2ltrs are reliable but you need to be good with tools.
as for a daily the Mrs used hers for a few years daily upto 40miles each way.
remember most wont do more than 50mph.
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If it moves then in can wear out, break or seize
Hicap phill
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Just normally plugs points. We have a S1(661) with a 2 1/4 in it & this gives no problems when we go to France (about 800 miles round trip)
now the other S1(553)with a 2ltr drove from lands end to John o groats over 4 days(1400 miles) only problem was the rectifier.
Parts are harder to find & can be expensive.
now the other S1(553)with a 2ltr drove from lands end to John o groats over 4 days(1400 miles) only problem was the rectifier.
Parts are harder to find & can be expensive.
brianp38dse
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Hello and welcome to the forum
you cant beat a nice series landrover proper motors
you cant beat a nice series landrover proper motors
Hi and welcome!
I ran a series 3 as my only transport for six years until I decided I wanted newer and upgraded to a V8 90! Nothing wrong if properly maintained but definitely have recovery and carry some spares for longer journeys. Check your insurance if you have it through a specialist as it can be included. But make sure you have an agreed value as Series 1’s make good money! Join the Srries 1 club too as they are a very good source of information and can help source parts.
Let us know how you get on and don’t forget some pics of whatever you get.
I ran a series 3 as my only transport for six years until I decided I wanted newer and upgraded to a V8 90! Nothing wrong if properly maintained but definitely have recovery and carry some spares for longer journeys. Check your insurance if you have it through a specialist as it can be included. But make sure you have an agreed value as Series 1’s make good money! Join the Srries 1 club too as they are a very good source of information and can help source parts.
Let us know how you get on and don’t forget some pics of whatever you get.
Than
RangeRoller dt
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Just get a nice warm coat for winter.
Won’t be doing much daily driving if it’s nuts&bolts job but such a satisfying vehicle
Welcome to LandyZone
Won’t be doing much daily driving if it’s nuts&bolts job but such a satisfying vehicle
Welcome to LandyZone
